Media As Global Diplomat

A new U.S. administration that understands information technologies and power of the Internet creates new opportunities to leverage that technology to improve America's image abroad. The United States must catalyze public-private partnerships that invite foreign perspectives through interactive and social networking media. Public diplomacy in today's media climate favors a decentralized approach that reflects fragmentation of information and builds on local partnerships that go beyond U.S. governmental broadcasting to foreign audiences. Media companies, NGOs, and third-party news outlets can reach certain communities that U.S. government media cannot.